Reduced size refrigeration unit with increased storage area

ABSTRACT

A refrigeration unit including an exterior lining that includes a bottom exterior surface and a top exterior surface facing the bottom exterior surface. The refrigeration unit further including an interior lining that includes a bottom planar-like interior surface and a top interior surface facing the bottom interior surface. The refrigeration unit including a bottom base, wherein the bottom exterior surface is positioned between the bottom base and the bottom planar-like interior surface. The refrigeration unit includes a condenser positioned between the bottom base and the bottom exterior surface, wherein the refrigeration unit is oriented within a gravitational field generated by the Earth so that the gravitational field flows from the top interior surface to the bottom base.

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/591,864, filedNov. 29, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a refrigeration unit, inparticular, refrigeration units that are sized to be used in smallerareas and/or can be supported on table tops and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While refrigeration units are in general well known, they can have awide variety of storage plans within the interior. It is a preferableattribute of most, if not all, refrigeration units that the storagevolume is increased so as to contain as many products, such as food, asneeded by a user.

In the case of refrigeration units that are of a smaller size that canbe supported on a table top and the like, size constraints have forcedthe elements of the refrigeration unit that enable cooling, such as thecondenser coils and the compressor, to be housed in a compartment thattakes up space within the interior of the refrigerator. Thus, the volumewithin the interior of the refrigerator is not optimized.

An example of this is shown in the schematic drawings in FIGS. 1-4. FIG.1 shows a perspective view of a typical refrigeration unit 100 that isof a smaller size, such as a height of approximately 33.25 inches, widthof approximately 23.5 inches, and a depth of approximately 23.0 inches.The refrigeration unit 100 has a door 102 that is attached via a hinge104 to a main storage housing 106 as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The mainstorage housing 106 can be thought of as being a shell that has aninterior lining 108 and an exterior housing or lining 110. As shown inFIGS. 1-3, the interior lining 108 can support various types of shelvesthat support items to be contained within the refrigeration unit 100. Asshown in FIGS. 1-3, there are sides of the exterior lining 110 that facethe ambient atmosphere and define left and right vertical side walls111, 113, a rear vertical wall 115, and a top wall 117 that are integralwith one another. There is a space between the interior lining 108 andthe exterior lining 110 that contains heat transfer coils and insulation(not shown). In order to lessen the overall footprint of the mainstorage housing 106, several refrigeration components, such as acompressor and condenser coils, are positioned in a space 112 that is sosized that it lessens the amount of overall space to hold items forrefrigeration as shown in FIG. 3.

With the above description and FIGS. 1-10 in mind, certain terms will bedefined to be used for the refrigeration units described throughout thisapplication so as to aid the reader in understanding the invention. Forexample, “front” will regard the side of the refrigeration unit at whichthe door is present when in the closed position on the refrigerationunit. “Rear” denotes the side of the refrigeration unit opposite thefront side or the door when the door is in the closed position. “Left”denotes the side of the refrigeration unit that is to the left whenviewing the exterior of the door when it is in the closed position.“Right” denotes the side of the refrigeration unit that is opposite tothe left side. “Bottom” denotes the side of the refrigeration unittowards which the gravitational field generated by the Earth flowssubstantially perpendicular to the side and is the side located nearestthe center of the Earth. “Top” denotes the side of the refrigerationunit that is opposite to the bottom side.

The above concepts are shown in FIGS. 1-4. In FIG. 4, a rectangularbottom base 114 is shown that is attached to the bottom of the exteriorlining 110 of the refrigeration unit 100. The base 114 has a thicknessof approximately 0.0516 inches, a width, W, of approximately 23.5inches, and a depth, D, of approximately 23.0 inches. The base 114 ismade of a durable material, such as steel. Extending vertically withrespect to the edges of the base 114 are integrally attachedrectangular-like brackets 116.

Upon the base 114, a number of refrigeration components are positioned.For example, a compressor 118 is attached to the base 114 by four tabs120 with retaining pins (two shown) that extend through openings ofcorresponding support pads 122 integrally formed with the compressor118. A possible process for attachment of a support pad 122 of thecompressor 118 to the base 114 is shown in FIGS. 5A-C. In particular,each support pad 122 is integrally formed with and extends away from alower portion of a tank 124 of the compressor 118. Each support pad 122has a grommet 123 which passes through an outer opening of the supportpad 122 and is attached to the support pad 122. When attached, a portionof the grommet 123 is positioned above the opening and a portion ispositioned below the opening as shown in FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5A,openings of the support pad 122 and grommet 123 are positioned over avertical portion 125 of an L-shaped tab 120 that has a planar foot 127integrally attached to the base 114. Next, the support pad 122 andgrommet 123 are lowered until a section of vertical portion 125 extendsthrough the openings of the grommet 123 and the support pad 122 as shownin FIG. 5B.

Next, a washer 129 is placed on the top surface of the grommet 123 sothat the vertical portion 125 extends through the opening of the washer129 as shown in FIG. 5B. At this stage of the process, a portion ofretaining pin 131 is inserted through an opening 133 formed in thevertical portion 125 and another portion of the retaining pin 131clampingly engages the vertical portion 125,

The tank 124 of the compressor 118 receives/stores a pressurizedrefrigerant. The refrigerant is pressurized to such an extent that itturns into a hot gas. The hot gas is expelled from the tank 124 and sentvia a conduit 142, 143 to a condenser in the form of a condenser coil130 (arrows in FIG. 4 denote flow of refrigerant). The condenser coil130 is formed from a tube.

Prior to reaching the condenser coil 130, the hot gas travels throughconduit 142 to heat transfer coils (not shown) positioned between theinterior lining 108 and the exterior lining 110 of the main storagehousing 106. Preferably, the heat transfer coils are placed against thewall of the interior lining 108 so that they receive heat from theinterior of the refrigeration unit 100 that is adjacent to the interiorlining 108. Note that the portion of the conduit within therefrigeration unit 100 is partially surrounded by insulation.

During its trip from the tank 124 to the heat transfer coils, the gascools to such an extent that the gas has a temperature that is less thanthe temperature within the interior of the refrigeration unit 100.Accordingly, heat will flow from the interior of the refrigeration unit100 to the gas within the heat transfer coils. Such heated gas thenflows through conduit 143 and on to condenser coil 130, as shown in FIG.4.

Note that the maximum height of the compressor 118, as measured in avertical direction, V, from the bottom base 114 to a top portion of therefrigeration unit 100 is 7.0 inches. The compressor 118 is positionedat the right side and rear portion of the bottom base 114.

As shown in FIG. 4, the condenser coil 130 forms a serpentine patternwith three columns and eight rows of elongated, Q-shaped portions of thecoil 130. Horizontal wires 132 (592 in number) are attached/fused toeach of the portions as shown in FIG. 4 in a well-known manner, such aswelding. The condenser coil 130 is attached to the bottom base 114 byscrews (not shown). In addition, brackets 134 are attached to a bracket116 and are attached to the coil 130 by being welded/fused thereto. Notethat the wires 132 and the wall 138 described later act as an airdeflector. A U-shaped bracket 136 is attached to the top surface of thebase 114, but is not attached to the coil 130. The bracket 136 defines adrain cup in a well-known manner and has a height of approximately 3.25inches. The drain cup collects moisture/water generated during a defrostcycle of the refrigeration unit 100, wherein the collectedmoisture/water is dissipated to the ambient atmosphere. Since thecollected moisture/water is in direct contact with the base 114, thedissipation of the moisture/water aids in carrying away heat from thebase 114.

Note that the maximum height of the condenser coil 130, as measured inthe vertical direction V is 7.25 inches. The condenser coil 130 forms arectangular-like footprint on the bottom base 114 that has a width ofapproximately 20.5 inches and a depth of approximately 18.0 inches. Asshown in FIG. 4, the condenser coil 130 is positioned at the left sideand rear portion of the bottom base 114.

Positioned between the compressor 118 and the condenser coil 130 is ametal wall 138 that is attached to the bottom base 114 and risesvertically from the bottom base 114. The wall 138 has a vertical height,as measured in the vertical direction V, of approximately 7.5 inches.Not shown is that the wall 138 has an opening with a fan positionedwithin the opening and approximately centered on the condenser coil 130.

As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom portion 139 of the exterior lining 110has a z-type shape, a bottom portion 141 of the interior lining 108 isparallel to and is spaced from the bottom portion 139 of the exteriorlining 110 by approximately 2.25 inches. The upper level 143 of thebottom portion 139 runs parallel to the base 114 and is positionedapproximately 9.85 inches above the base 114 so that there is aclearance of approximately 3.00 inches from the top of the tank 124 tothe upper level 143. The lower level 145 of the bottom portion 139 isoffset below the upper level 143 by approximately 2.0 inches. The base114 is attached to the bottom portion 139 by vertical walls that areattached to the base 114 and the bottom portion 139, wherein suchvertical walls form/define a skirt 147 below the main storage housing106. The skirt 147 hides the refrigeration components on the base 114from view and allows for access to the refrigeration components byremoval of one or more of the vertical walls that form the skirt 147.

In operation, the gas received from conduit 142 travels within theinterior passage formed along the entire path of the condenser coil 130.Having the gas travel the serpentine path of the condenser coil 130allows for heat from the gas to be fed to the ambient atmosphere. Theuse of the previously mentioned fan that is adjacent to the coil 130aids in the expulsion of heat from the condenser coil 130. With theexpulsion of heat, the gas cools down sufficiently within the condensercoil 130 so that a portion of it becomes a liquid. The liquid and gasare sent from the coil 130 via a conduit 149 to a drier 140 whichcondenses the remaining gas into a liquid in a well-known manner. Inparticular, the drier 140 uses a desiccant to remove moisture from thesystem if present. The liquid is then fed to the compressor 118 whichpressurizes the liquid to turn it into a gas so that it can repeat thecycle via conduits 142 and 143 as explained previously.

The end effect is that heat is absorbed by the refrigerant within therefrigeration unit 100 and carried away to the compressor 108. Thus, theinterior of the refrigeration unit 100 becomes colder due to the loss ofheat.

It is an objective of the present invention to reduce the size of thespace containing refrigeration components so that the amount of overallspace for holding items for refrigeration is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention regards a refrigeration unitincluding an exterior lining that includes a first exterior sidesurface, a second exterior side surface facing the first exterior sidesurface, a rear exterior surface attached to the first exterior sidesurface and the second exterior surface. The exterior lining furtherincludes a bottom exterior surface and a top exterior surface facing thebottom exterior surface, wherein the top exterior surface and the bottomexterior surface are each attached to the first exterior side surface,the second exterior side surface and the rear exterior surface. Therefrigeration unit further including an interior lining that includes afirst interior side surface facing the first exterior side surface, asecond interior side surface facing the first interior side surface andthe first exterior side surface and a rear interior surface facing therear exterior surface and attached to the first interior side surfaceand the second interior surface. The interior lining further including abottom planar-like interior surface, a top interior surface facing thebottom interior surface, wherein the top interior surface and the bottominterior surface are each attached to the first interior side surface,the second interior side surface and the rear interior surface. Therefrigeration unit further includes a bottom base, wherein the bottomexterior surface is positioned between the bottom base and the bottomplanar-like interior surface. The refrigeration unit including acondenser positioned between the bottom base and the bottom exteriorsurface, wherein the bottom planar-like surface extends to the firstinterior side surface, the second interior side surface, and the rearinterior surface. The refrigeration unit is oriented within agravitational field generated by the Earth so that the gravitationalfield flows from the top interior surface to the bottom base.

A second aspect of present invention regards a refrigeration unit systemthat includes a refrigeration unit that includes an exterior lining thatincludes a first exterior side surface, a second exterior side surfacefacing the first exterior side surface, and a rear exterior surfaceattached to the first exterior side surface and the second exteriorsurface. The exterior lining further includes a bottom exterior surfaceand a top exterior surface facing the bottom exterior surface, whereinthe top exterior surface and the bottom exterior surface are eachattached to the first exterior side surface, the second exterior sidesurface and the rear exterior surface. The refrigeration unit furtherincluding an interior lining that includes a first interior side surfacefacing the first exterior side surface, a second interior side surfacefacing the first interior side surface and the first exterior sidesurface and a rear interior surface facing the rear exterior surface andattached to the first interior side surface and the second interiorsurface. The interior lining further including a bottom planar-likeinterior surface, a top interior surface facing the bottom interiorsurface, wherein the top interior surface and the bottom interiorsurface are each attached to the first interior side surface, the secondinterior side surface and the rear interior surface. The refrigerationunit includes a bottom base, wherein the bottom exterior surface ispositioned between the bottom base and the bottom planar-like interiorsurface. The refrigeration unit including a condenser positioned betweenthe bottom exterior surface and the bottom base. The bottom planar-likesurface extends to the first interior side surface, the second interiorside surface, and the rear interior surface. The refrigeration systemfurther includes a support surface upon which the bottom base lies andthe support surface is subjected to an entire weight of therefrigeration unit.

A third aspect of the present invention regards a refrigeration unitincluding an exterior lining that includes a bottom exterior surface anda top exterior surface facing the bottom exterior surface. Therefrigeration unit further including an interior lining that includes abottom planar-like interior surface and a top interior surface facingthe bottom interior surface. The refrigeration unit including a bottombase, wherein the bottom exterior surface is positioned between thebottom base and the bottom planar-like interior surface. Therefrigeration unit includes a condenser positioned between the bottombase and the bottom exterior surface, wherein the refrigeration unit isoriented within a gravitational field generated by the Earth so that thegravitational field flows from the top interior surface to the bottombase.

A fourth aspect of the present invention regards a refrigeration unitsystem that includes a refrigeration unit that includes an exteriorlining that includes a bottom exterior surface and a top exteriorsurface facing the bottom exterior surface. The refrigeration unitfurther including an interior lining that includes a bottom planar-likeinterior surface and a top interior surface facing the bottom interiorsurface. The refrigeration unit including a bottom base, wherein thebottom exterior surface is positioned between the bottom base and thebottom planar-like interior surface. The refrigeration unit includes acondenser positioned between the bottom base and the bottom exteriorsurface, wherein the refrigeration unit is oriented within agravitational field generated by the Earth so that the gravitationalfield flows from the top interior surface to the bottom base. Therefrigeration system further includes a support surface upon which thebottom base lies and the support surface is subjected to an entireweight of the refrigeration unit.

One or more aspects of the present invention provide the advantage ofproviding increased storage within the interior of refrigeration unitsof smaller sizes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features, advantages and other uses of the present apparatuswill become more apparent by referring to the following detaileddescription and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a known refrigerationunit, wherein the door is in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 1,wherein the door is in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a side of the refrigeration unit ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottom base of the refrigeration unitof FIG. 1 with refrigeration components present;

FIGS. 5A-C are pictures showing a possible process for attaching acompressor to the bottom base of FIG. 4 the is a perspective view of abottom base of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 1 with refrigerationcomponents present;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a refrigeration unit inaccordance with the present invention, wherein the door is in a closedposition;

FIG. 6A is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the refrigerationunit of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the refrigeration unit of FIG. 6,wherein the door is in an open position;

FIG. 7A is a perspective and schematic view of an exterior lining to beused with the refrigeration unit of FIGS. 6-7;

FIG. 7B is a perspective and schematic view of an interior lining to beused with the refrigeration unit of FIGS. 6, 7, and 7A;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a side of the refrigeration unit ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bottom base of the refrigeration unitof FIG. 6 with refrigeration components present;

FIG. 9A is top and schematic view of the bottom base and refrigerationcomponents of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 10 schematically shows an embodiment of a refrigeration system thatincludes the refrigeration unit of FIGS. 6-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in the exemplary drawing figures, a refrigeration unit isshown, wherein like elements are denoted by like numerals.

FIGS. 6-10 show an embodiment of a refrigeration unit 200 that has aheight of approximately 33.25 inches, a width or length of approximately23.5 inches, and a depth of approximately 23.0 inches. It should benoted that other sizes for the refrigeration unit 200 are possible. Forexample, the height can range from 32 inches to 34 inches, the width orlength can vary from 15.0 inches to 36.0 inches, and the depth can varyfrom 21.0 inches to 23.0 inches.

The refrigeration unit 200 has a door 201 that is attached via a hinge203 to a main storage housing 205 as shown in FIGS. 6-7. The mainstorage housing 205 can be thought of as being a shell that has aninterior housing or lining 278 and an exterior housing or lining 202 asschematically shown by the front cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A. Thereis a space between the interior lining 278 and the exterior lining 202that contains heat transfer coils and insulation (not shown).

The exterior lining 202 is made of a durable material, such as stainlesssteel, vinyl coated carbon steel or galvanized steel. As shown in FIGS.6, 7 and 7A, the exterior lining 202 of the main storage housing 205includes a first exterior side surface 204 and a second exterior sidesurface 206 that is positioned opposite to and faces the first exteriorside surface 204. Preferably, the first and second exterior sidesurfaces 204, 206 are identical in shape. For example, the first andsecond exterior side surfaces 204, 206 may be rectangular in shape witha vertical height H, as measured along vertical direction V, rangingfrom 32.0 inches to 34.0 inches and a depth D ranging from 21.0 inchesto 23.0 inches. The first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206have a thickness ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.060 inches. The firstand second exterior side surfaces 204, 206 are preferably arrangedparallel to one another and separated from one another by a distanceranging from 15.0 inches to 36.0 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 8, the exterior lining 202 includes a rearexterior surface 208 that has vertical side edges 210 and 212 integrallyattached to a rear vertical edge 214 of the first exterior side surface204 and a rear vertical edge 216 of the second exterior side surface206, respectively. Preferably, the rear exterior surface 208 isrectangular in shape with a height that is the same as the height H ofthe first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206. The rear exteriorsurface 208 has a length L ranging from 15.0 inches to 36.0 inches andhas a thickness ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.060 inches. The rearexterior surface 208 is preferably positioned at a right angle to eachof the first and second exterior side surfaces 204, 206.

FIGS. 6-9 show that the exterior lining 202 includes a bottom exteriorsurface 218, and a top exterior surface 220 that is positioned oppositeto and faces the bottom exterior surface 218. Preferably, the bottom andtop exterior surfaces 218, 220 are nearly identical in shape and size.For example, the bottom and top exterior surfaces 218, 220 may berectangular in shape with a length L ranging from 15.0 inches to 36.0inches and a width that is the same as the width of the first and secondexterior side surfaces 204, 206. The bottom and top exterior surfaces218, 220 have a thickness ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.060 inches.

The bottom and top exterior surfaces 218, 220 are preferably arrangedparallel to one another and separated from one another by a distanceequal to the vertical height H of the first and second exterior sidesurfaces 204, 206.

Side edges 222, 224 of the bottom exterior surface 218 are integrallyattached with bottom edges 226, 228 of the first and second exteriorside surfaces 204, 206, respectively. A rear edge 230 of the bottomexterior surface 218 is integrally attached with a bottom edge 232 ofthe rear exterior surface 208. The bottom exterior surface 218 ispreferably perpendicular to each of the first and second exterior sidesurfaces 204, 206 and the rear exterior surface 208.

Side edges 234, 236 of the top exterior surface 220 are integrallyattached with top edges 238, 240 of the first and second exterior sidesurfaces 204, 206, respectively. A rear edge 242 of the top exteriorsurface 220 is integrally attached with a top edge 244 of the rearexterior surface 208. The top exterior surface 220 is preferablyperpendicular to each of the first and second exterior side surfaces204, 206 and the rear exterior surface 208.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 7B and 8, placed within the exterior housing 202 isthe interior lining 278. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the interiorlining 278 can support various types of shelves that support items to becontained within the refrigeration unit 200. The interior lining 278 ismade of a durable material, such as high impact polystyrene (HIPS),plastic, or stainless steel. The interior lining 278 includes a firstinterior side surface 280 and a second interior side surface 282 that ispositioned opposite to and faces the first interior side surface 280.Preferably, the first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282 areidentical in shape. For example, the first and second interior sidesurfaces 280, 282 may be rectangular in shape with a height ranging from22.0 inches to 24.0 inches and a width ranging from 16.0 inches to 20.0inches. The first and second interior side surfaces 280, 282 have athickness ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.200 inches. The first andsecond interior side surfaces 280, 282 are preferably arranged parallelto one another and separated from one another by a distance ranging from11 inches to 20 inches. In another embodiment, the first and secondinterior side surfaces 280, 282 are separated from one another byapproximately 28 inches and a vertical wall is positioned between andparallel to the interior side surfaces 280, 282 so that two cavities aredefined with each cavity having a width of approximately 14 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 7B and 8, the interior lining 278 includes a rearinterior surface 284 that has vertical side edges 286 and 288 integrallyattached to a rear vertical edge 290 of the first interior side surface280 and a rear vertical edge 292 of the second interior side surface282, respectively. Preferably, the rear interior surface 284 isrectangular in shape with a height that is the same as the height of thefirst and second interior side surfaces 280, 282. The rear interiorsurface 284 has a length ranging from 11.0 inches to 20.0 inches and hasa thickness ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.200 inches. The rear interiorsurface 284 is preferably positioned at a right angle to each of thefirst and second interior side surfaces 280, 282.

FIGS. 7B and 8 show that the interior lining 278 includes a bottom,planar-like interior surface 294 and a top interior surface 296 that ispositioned opposite to and faces the bottom interior surface 294.Preferably, the bottom and top interior surfaces 294, 296 are identicalin shape and size. For example, the bottom and top interior surfaces294, 296 may be rectangular in shape with a length L ranging from 11.0inches to 20.0 inches and a width that is the same as the first andsecond interior side surfaces 280, 282. The bottom and top interiorsurfaces 294, 296 have a thickness ranging from 0.050 inches to 0.200inches. The bottom and top interior surfaces 294, 296 are preferablyarranged parallel to one another and separated from one another by adistance equal to the vertical height of the first and second interiorside surfaces 280, 282.

The side edges 298, 300 of the bottom interior surface 294 areintegrally attached with the bottom edges 302, 304 of the first andsecond interior side surfaces 280, 282, respectively. The rear edge 306of the bottom interior surface 294 is integrally attached with thebottom edge 308 of the rear interior surface 284. The bottom interiorsurface 294 is preferably perpendicular to each of the first and secondinterior side surfaces 280, 282 and the rear interior surface 284. Asshown in FIGS. 7B and 8, the bottom planar-like interior surface 294extends to the first interior side surface 280, the second interior sidesurface 282, and the rear interior surface 284.

The side edges 310, 312 of the top interior surface 296 are integrallyattached with the top edges 314, 316 of the first and second interiorside surfaces 280, 282, respectively. The rear edge 318 of the topinterior surface 296 is integrally attached with the top edge 320 of therear interior surface 284. The top interior surface 296 is preferablyperpendicular to each of the first and second interior side surfaces280, 282 and the rear interior surface 284.

The interior lining 278 is attached to the exterior lining 202 byholding the two linings in a nested manner so that the interior lining278 is nested within the exterior lining 202. By such holding, a volumeof space positioned between the two nested linings is formed. Next, afoam is injected into the volume of space, wherein the foam expands intothe entire volume of space and cures/hardens resulting in the liningsbeing attached to one another via the foam. Note that conduits and heattransfer coils are positioned within the volume of space prior toinjecting the foam into the volume of space.

Once the interior lining 278 is attached to the exterior lining 202, thefirst interior side surface 280 is parallel to, facing and spaced fromthe first exterior side surface 204 by approximately 1.75 inches.Similarly, the second interior side surface 282 is parallel to, facingand spaced from the second exterior side surface 206 by approximately1.75 inches. The rear interior surface 284 is parallel to, facing andspaced from the rear exterior surface 208 by approximately 1.0 inches.In addition, the top interior surface 296 is parallel to, facing andspaced from the top exterior surface 220 by approximately 1.75 inches.The bottom, planar-like interior surface 294 is parallel to, facing andspaced from the bottom exterior surface 218 by approximately 7 inches.

Between the bottom exterior surface 218, a bottom base 217, and a skirt221 is defined a storage volume of space S as shown in FIGS. 6A, and 8that stores components of the refrigeration unit 200, such as thecondenser 248 and the coils 260. The space S has a vertical height ofapproximately 5.0 inches, a length of approximately 18.5 inches, and awidth of approximately 15.0 inches to 36.0 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a door 322 is attached to the exterior lining202 by a pair of hinges 322, 324 that are attached to the exterior frontface of the refrigeration unit 200. Thus, the hinged door 322 is movableto an open position (see FIG. 7) that provides access to a volume ofspace defined by the interior lining 278 and to a closed position (seeFIG. 6) wherein access to the volume of space is denied. Note that therear portion 326 of the door 322 may include one or more shelves to holdproducts. In addition, when the door 322 is at the closed position thevolume of space defined by the interior lining 278 is substantiallysealed off from the exterior environment so that a temperature range of33° F.-70° F. can be generated within the volume of space.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A, a number of refrigeration components arepositioned on the upper surface 246 of a rectangular bottom base 217. Aswill be described later, the bottom base 217 is attached to the bottomof the exterior lining 202 of the refrigeration unit 200. The bottombase 217 has a thickness of approximately 0.050 inches, a width ofapproximately 23.5 inches, and a depth of approximately 23.0 inches. Thebottom base 217 is made of a durable material, such as steel. Extendingvertically with respect to the edges of the base 217 are integrallyattached rectangular-like brackets 219.

A compressor 248 is attached to the bottom base 217 by four tabs 250with retaining clips (two shown) that extend through openings ofcorresponding support pads 252 integrally formed with the compressor248. Adjacent to the compressor 248 is a housing 249 that containselectronics for running the compressor 248. The compressor 248 has atank 254 for receiving/storing a pressurized refrigerant, such as thesubstances known by the trade names of R134a and R600a. The refrigerantis pressurized to such an extent that it turns into a hot gas. The hotgas is expelled from the tank 256 and sent via a conduit (not shown) toa heat exchange coil within the volume of space formed between theinterior lining 278 and the exterior lining 202, then to a condenser inthe form of a condenser coil 260, and then from the condenser coil 260back to the compressor 248 in a manner similar to that described withrespect to the refrigeration unit 100 of FIGS. 1-4.

Note that the maximum height of the compressor 248, as measured in thevertical direction, V is 5.0 inches. The compressor 248 is positioned atthe right side and rear portion of the bottom surface 218.

As shown in FIG. 9, the condenser coil 260 is formed from a tube so asto define a serpentine pattern with two exterior rows 262, 264 of fourelongated, Ω-shaped portions of the coil 260 that face the front andrear of the refrigeration unit 200. Between the rows 262, 264 are threeinterior rows 266, 268, 270 of seven columns of elongated, a-shapedportions of the coil 260, wherein the rows face the left and right sidesof the refrigeration unit 200. Horizontal wires 271 are attached/fusedto each of the portions via welding as shown in FIG. 9. The condensercoil 260 is attached to the bottom base 217 by retaining clips orscrews. In addition, a vertical metal wall 272 is attached to the bottombase 217 and is attached to the coil 260 by a spot welding process. Thewall 272 acts an air deflector that separates the air inlet from the airexhaust. A U-shaped bracket 274 is attached to the bottom base 217 andhas an opening that receives a fan 276 that helps to convey heatgenerated by the coils 260 away from the coils 260. Adjacent to the fanis a drain cup 251 that functions similarly to the drain cup 136 of FIG.4. Note that the wall 272 and the bracket 274 each has a height ofapproximately 5.0 inches.

Note that the maximum height of the condenser coil 260, as measured inthe vertical direction V is 5.0 inches. The condenser coil 260 forms arectangular-like footprint on the bottom base 217 that has a length ofapproximately 10.0 inches and a width of approximately 6.0 inches. Asshown in FIG. 9, the condenser coil 260 is positioned at the left sideand front portion of the bottom base 217.

When comparing refrigeration units 100 and 200 of FIGS. 1-9A, there aresome notable differences. For example, the maximum height of a componentpositioned on the bottom base 114 of the refrigeration unit 100 is 7.5inches, while the maximum height of a component positioned on the bottombase 217 of the refrigeration unit 200 is no more than 5.0 inches. Thus,the lower vertical dimensions of the refrigeration components of therefrigeration unit 200 essentially allows for the upper level 143 of thebottom portion of the refrigeration unit 100 to be lowered and thusincrease the storage volume within the refrigeration unit 200 whencompared with the storage volume of the refrigeration unit 100.

The bottom base 217 is attached to the bottom exterior surface 218 ofthe exterior lining 202 by vertical walls that are attached to thesurface 218 and the bottom base 217, wherein such vertical wallsform/define a skirt 221 below the main storage housing 106. The skirt221 hides the refrigeration components on the bottom base 217 from viewand allows for access to the refrigeration components by removal of oneor more of the vertical walls that form the skirt.

It is envisioned that the above described refrigeration unit 200 will bepositioned so that the bottom base 217 lies directly on a supportsurface 328, such as a floor or a table top. In an alternativeembodiment, each corner of the bottom base 217 includes a foot thatextends downward from a bottom surface of the bottom base 217 so thatthe feet engage the support surface 328. Each foot can be adjustable inhow much it extends from the bottom surface so that the refrigerationunit 200 can be leveled on the support surface 328. In the abovescenarios, the refrigeration unit 200 and the support surface 328 definea refrigeration system 330.

As schematically shown in FIG. 10, the gravitational field, g, generatedby the Earth flows from the top 329 of the exterior lining 202 to boththe bottom of the exterior lining 202 and the bottom base 217 so thatthe support surface 328 is subjected to the entire weight of therefrigeration unit 200. The gravitational field g is directed towardsthe center of the Earth and is approximately perpendicular to the bottomplanar like interior surface.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalentstructures as is permitted under the law.

We claim:
 1. A refrigeration unit, comprising: an exterior lining,comprising: a first exterior side surface; a second exterior sidesurface facing said first exterior side surface; a rear exterior surfaceattached to said first exterior side surface and said second exteriorside surface; a bottom exterior surface; a top exterior surface facingsaid bottom exterior surface, wherein said top exterior surface and saidbottom exterior surface are each attached to said first exterior sidesurface, said second exterior side surface and said rear exteriorsurface; an interior lining, comprising: a first interior side surfacefacing said first exterior side surface; a second interior side surfacefacing said first interior side surface and said first exterior sidesurface; a rear interior surface facing said rear exterior surface andattached to said first interior side surface and said second interiorsurface; a bottom planar-like interior surface; a top interior surfacefacing said bottom interior surface, wherein said top interior surfaceand said bottom interior surface are each attached to said firstinterior side surface, said second interior side surface and said rearinterior surface; a bottom base, wherein said bottom exterior surface ispositioned between said bottom base and said bottom planar-like interiorsurface; a condenser positioned between said bottom base and said bottomexterior surface; and wherein said bottom planar-like surface extends tosaid first interior side surface, said second interior side surface, andsaid rear interior surface; and wherein said refrigeration unit isoriented within a gravitational field generated by the Earth so thatsaid gravitational field flows from said top interior surface to saidbottom base.
 2. The refrigeration unit of claim 1, further comprising ahinged door attached to said exterior lining that is movable to an openposition that provides access to a volume of space defined by saidinterior lining and to a closed position wherein access to said volumeof space is denied.
 3. The refrigeration unit of claim 1, wherein saidbottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and is separated fromsaid bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.
 4. Therefrigeration unit of claim 2, wherein said bottom base faces saidbottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exteriorsurface by approximately 5 inches.
 5. The refrigeration unit of claim 4,wherein said gravitational field is approximately perpendicular to saidbottom base.
 6. A refrigeration unit system, comprising: a refrigerationunit comprising: an exterior lining, comprising: a first exterior sidesurface; a second exterior side surface facing said first exterior sidesurface; a rear exterior surface attached to said first exterior sidesurface and said second exterior surface; a bottom exterior surface; atop exterior surface facing said bottom exterior surface, wherein saidtop exterior surface and said bottom exterior surface are each attachedto said first exterior side surface, said second exterior side surfaceand said rear exterior surface; an interior lining, comprising: a firstinterior side surface facing said first exterior side surface; a secondinterior side surface facing said first interior side surface and saidfirst exterior side surface; a rear interior surface facing said rearexterior surface and attached to said first interior side surface andsaid second interior surface; a bottom planar-like interior surface; atop interior surface facing said bottom interior surface, wherein saidtop interior surface and said bottom interior surface are each attachedto said first interior side surface, said second interior side surfaceand said rear interior surface; a bottom base, wherein said bottomexterior surface is positioned between said bottom base and said bottomplanar-like interior surface; a condenser positioned between said bottombase and said bottom exterior surface; and wherein said bottomplanar-like surface extends to said first interior side surface, saidsecond interior side surface, and said rear interior surface; and asupport surface upon which said bottom base lies and said supportsurface is subjected to an entire weight of said refrigeration unit. 7.The refrigeration unit system of claim 6, further comprising a hingeddoor attached to said exterior lining that is movable to an openposition that provides access to a volume of space defined by saidinterior lining and to a closed position wherein access to said volumeof space is denied.
 8. The refrigeration unit system of claim 6, whereinsaid bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and is separatedfrom said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.
 9. Therefrigeration unit system of claim 7, wherein said bottom base facessaid bottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exteriorsurface by approximately 5 inches.
 10. A refrigeration unit, comprising:an exterior lining, comprising: a bottom exterior surface; and a topexterior surface facing said bottom exterior surface; an interiorlining, comprising: a bottom planar-like interior surface; and a topinterior surface facing said bottom interior surface; a bottom base,wherein said bottom exterior surface is positioned between said bottombase and said bottom planar-like interior surface; a condenserpositioned between said bottom base and said bottom exterior surface;and wherein said refrigeration unit is oriented within a gravitationalfield generated by the Earth so that said gravitational field flows fromsaid top interior surface to said bottom base.
 11. The refrigerationunit of claim 10, further comprising a hinged door attached to saidexterior lining that is movable to an open position that provides accessto a volume of space defined by said interior lining and to a closedposition wherein access to said volume of space is denied.
 12. Therefrigeration unit of claim 10, wherein said bottom base faces saidbottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottom exteriorsurface by approximately 5 inches.
 13. The refrigeration unit of claim11, wherein said bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and isseparated from said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.14. The refrigeration unit of claim 13, wherein said gravitational fieldis approximately perpendicular to said bottom base.
 15. A refrigerationunit system, comprising: a refrigeration unit comprising: an exteriorlining, comprising: a rear exterior surface attached to said firstexterior side surface and said second exterior surface; and a bottomexterior surface; a top exterior surface facing said bottom exteriorsurface; an interior lining, comprising: a bottom planar-like interiorsurface; a top interior surface facing said bottom interior surface; abottom base, wherein said bottom exterior surface is positioned betweensaid bottom base and said bottom planar-like interior surface; acondenser positioned between said bottom base and said bottom exteriorsurface; and a support surface upon which said bottom base lies and saidsupport surface is subjected to an entire weight of said refrigerationunit.
 16. The refrigeration unit system of claim 15, further comprisinga hinged door attached to said exterior lining that is movable to anopen position that provides access to a volume of space defined by saidinterior lining and to a closed position wherein access to said volumeof space is denied.
 17. The refrigeration unit system of claim 15,wherein said bottom base faces said bottom exterior surface and isseparated from said bottom exterior surface by approximately 5 inches.18. The refrigeration unit system of claim 16, wherein said bottom basefaces said bottom exterior surface and is separated from said bottomexterior surface by approximately 5 inches.